Episodes

Friday Feb 21, 2025
214 - Revolutionizing Home Care with Anastacia Yefimenko of Elcove
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Mark interviews Anastacia Yefimenko, founder of Elcove, a company dedicated to creating sustainable and non-toxic home care products. They discuss the lack of regulation in the home care industry, the personal health challenges that led Anastacia to create Elcove, and the innovative solutions her company offers, including refillable bottles and compostable pouches. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with education, future plans for retail expansion, and the importance of community and connection in business.
Connect with Anastacia on LinkedIn and check out her pitch deck!
Takeaways
- The home care industry lacks regulation, leading to potential health risks.
- Elcove offers sustainable and non-toxic home care products.
- Personal health struggles inspired the creation of Elcove.
- The importance of effective and safe cleaning products.
- Elcove's products are designed to reduce environmental impact.
- The company uses compostable pouches for their products.
- Anastasia balances her studies with running a business.
- Manufacturing is done in Texas to ensure quality control.
- Future plans include expanding retail presence.
- Community support is crucial for entrepreneurial success.
Chapters
- 02:06 Introducing Elcove: A Sustainable Solution
- 06:55 The Challenge of Balancing Health and Sustainability
- 08:49 The Team Behind Elcove
- 10:01 Future Plans and Retail Launch
- 12:14 Learning and Growth
- 16:54 Closing Thoughts and Connections
Unleashing the Power of Respect: The I-M Approach by Joseph Shrand, MD
This episode is brought to you in part by SecuriTitle, a fractional paralegal service assisting with all things real estate in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Friday Feb 14, 2025
Friday Feb 14, 2025
Mark sits with Jake Ross, who discusses the importance of creating engaging and digestible content on LinkedIn. He emphasizes the platform's underutilization and shares strategies for maximizing audience engagement through effective content creation. The discussion covers the significance of storytelling, building trust, and the collaborative nature of client engagement. Jake also highlights the long-term investment required for success on LinkedIn and the value of continuous improvement in content strategy.
Check out Build You and connect with Jake on LinkedIn!
Takeaways
- Content must be digestible to retain audience attention.
- LinkedIn is an underutilized platform for business networking.
- The first line and imagery are crucial for engagement.
- Using one vertical photo maximizes visibility on LinkedIn.
- Storytelling builds trust and familiarity with the audience.
- Feedback is essential for improving client engagement.
- Long-term investment is key for LinkedIn success.
- Creating relatable content encourages audience interaction.
- Collaborative strategies enhance content effectiveness.
- Understanding client needs is vital for tailored content.
Chapters
- 01:18 The Importance of LinkedIn
- 03:31 Creating Engaging Content
- 08:08 Strategies for Effective LinkedIn Posts
- 10:25 Building Trust Through Storytelling
- 14:06 The Journey to Thought Leadership
- 17:41 Client Engagement and Collaboration
- 20:45 The Value of Feedback and Improvement
- 25:00 Long-Term Investment in LinkedIn
- 26:19 Connecting with Jake Ross
Unleashing the Power of Respect: The I-M Approach by Joseph Shrand, MD
This episode is brought to you in part by SecuriTitle, a fractional paralegal service assisting with all things real estate in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Mark speaks with Jeff Granatino, Academy Director at the Atlantic Resiliency Innovation Institute (ARII), which aims to address coastal erosion and resiliency through innovative educational programs and community partnerships. The discussion highlights the importance of providing young adults with practical skills and internships in engineering and environmental science, while also emphasizing the need for collaboration with local businesses and educational institutions. The initiative seeks to create a supportive learning environment that prepares students for the workforce, while also tackling pressing environmental challenges.
Learn more about ARII at atlanticrii.org and reach Jeff at jgranatino@atlanticrii.org!
Takeaways
- Students will have a competitive edge in the workforce.
- ARII focuses on coastal resiliency and community impact.
- The Marshfield Coastal Academy will provide hands-on education.
- Internships will offer real-world experience for students.
- Partnerships with universities enhance the educational experience.
- Funding is crucial for building and equipping the academy.
- Community engagement is essential for the initiative's success.
- Innovative educational models are needed for today's learners.
- Collaboration with local businesses is key to workforce development.
- The initiative aims to inspire and empower young adults.
Chapters
- 03:09 Coastal Resiliency and Community Impact
- 05:57 Innovative Educational Approaches for Young Adults
- 09:08 Partnerships and Collaborations for Success
- 11:50 Funding and Support for the Initiative
- 15:13 Future Aspirations and Community Engagement
- 18:06 Personal Insights and Reflections
- 20:59 Conclusion and Call to Action
Unleashing the Power of Respect: The I-M Approach by Joseph Shrand, MD
This episode is brought to you in part by SecuriTitle, a fractional paralegal service assisting with all things real estate in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
211 - Revolutionizing Influencer Marketing with Hurshneet Chadha of CreatorZen
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Mark and CreatorZen founder and CEO Hurshneet Chadha discuss the future of TikTok and influencer marketing, the innovative ideas behind CreatorZen, and the journey of building a tech startup while balancing school. Hurshneet shares insights on the influencer economy, the role of agencies, and the importance of education for creators. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of social media and the potential for growth in the influencer space.
Check out CreatorZen and connect with Hurshneet on LinkedIn!
Takeaways
- TikTok is likely to remain a significant platform for creators.
- CreatorZen streamlines the influencer marketing process for agencies.
- Building a tech startup requires learning and adapting quickly.
- Influencers are defined by their content quality and audience engagement.
- Agencies play a crucial role in nurturing emerging influencers.
- Balancing education and entrepreneurship is challenging but rewarding.
- The future of influencer marketing includes more global creators.
- Education programs for creators can enhance their marketability.
- Trust is essential in the influencer sourcing industry.
- Continuous updates and improvements are key to customer satisfaction.
Chapters
- 01:54 Introducing CreatorZen: A Game Changer for Influencer Marketing
- 06:01 The Journey of Building CreatorZen
- 11:54 Understanding Influencers: Who Qualifies?
- 18:12 The Role of Agencies in Influencer Marketing
- 23:46 Balancing School and Entrepreneurship
- 29:59 The Evolution of Influencer Education and Brand Partnerships
Unleashing the Power of Respect: The I-M Approach by Joseph Shrand, MD
This episode is brought to you in part by SecuriTitle, a fractional paralegal service assisting with all things real estate in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Mark Stiles interviews Mark Maiocca about Core7 Networking Groups, which aims to bring together the seven key professionals to work collaboratively for the benefit of consumers. The discussion covers the systematic approach to referrals, the importance of collaboration among professionals, and the various membership levels and offerings of Core7. Success stories highlight the effectiveness of this networking model, and strategies for marketing and lead generation are also explored. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the concept of building a professional community through the Core7 system. They discuss the importance of commitment in networking, the unique selling proposition of outgoing referrals, and the value of testimonials from professionals who have benefited from the system. The conversation also touches on recommended resources for professional development and emphasizes the need for engagement and fun in networking activities.
Learn more at mycore7.com!
Get your copy of The Core7: How to Buy a Home and Secure Your Financial Future at the Same Time!
Takeaways
- Core7 focuses on the seven key real estate and financial professionals working together.
- Collaboration among professionals leads to better consumer outcomes.
- The Core7 referral methodology is systematic and accountable.
- Membership levels offer different engagement opportunities.
- Consumer protection is a primary goal of Core7.
- Cross-silo collaboration enhances service delivery.
- Success stories demonstrate the effectiveness of the model.
- Marketing strategies include social media and direct outreach.
- The 'permission to refer' script eases referral anxiety.
- Core7 provides tools for professionals to grow their networks. Building a community is essential for networking success.
- The Core7 community functions like a private Facebook group.
- Commitment is crucial for effective networking.
- Outgoing referrals are a unique selling proposition.
- Testimonials highlight the effectiveness of the Core7 system.
- Engagement and fun are key to maintaining interest in networking.
- Resources like podcasts can enhance professional growth.
- Gamification can increase participation in networking activities.
- A systematic approach to referrals can lead to more business.
- Networking should be a mission-driven endeavor.
Chapters
- 00:58 Understanding the Core 7 Concept
- 04:02 The Importance of Collaboration Among Professionals
- 07:48 The Systematic Approach to Referrals
- 12:03 Core 7 Membership Levels and Offerings
- 17:01 Consumer Engagement and the Rolodex
- 20:04 Cross-Silo Collaboration for Better Outcomes
- 25:46 Success Stories and Real-World Applications
- 29:55 Marketing and Lead Generation Strategies
- 32:14 Building a Professional Community
- 35:13 Understanding Commitment in Networking
- 38:03 The Power of Outgoing Referrals
- 40:50 Testimonials and Success Stories
- 42:07 Recommended Resources for Professionals
- 48:19 Engagement and Fun in Networking
Unleashing the Power of Respect: The I-M Approach by Joseph Shrand, MD
This episode is brought to you in part by SecuriTitle, a fractional paralegal service assisting with all things real estate in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
209 - Creating Affordable Housing with Amy Belmore of Habitat for Humanity
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
Mark speaks with Amy Belmore, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth. They discuss the critical role of stable housing in improving quality of life, the mission and operations of Habitat for Humanity, the process of qualifying for homes, funding and building strategies, and the importance of community involvement through volunteering. Amy shares her journey to Habitat for Humanity, the significance of the ReStore as a social enterprise, and the lasting impact of their work on families and communities.
Learn more and get involved at hfhplymouth.org!
Takeaways
- Stable housing allows families to invest in better food and healthcare.
- Habitat for Humanity operates under the principle that everyone deserves a decent place to live.
- The organization uses volunteer labor to significantly reduce construction costs.
- Homeowners must contribute sweat equity hours to build their own homes.
- Habitat homes are deed restricted to maintain affordability for future generations.
- The ReStore sells donated items to fund Habitat for Humanity's building projects.
- Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity fosters community and personal connections.
- Habitat for Humanity has evolved from a grassroots effort to a global organization.
- The organization focuses on serving families earning 30-60% of the area median income.
- Community partnerships are essential for acquiring land and funding projects.
Chapters
- 03:13 Understanding Habitat for Humanity
- 06:02 Qualifying for Habitat Homes
- 08:45 Funding and Building Homes
- 12:05 Acquisition of Land and Partnerships
- 15:02 Homeowner Responsibilities and Community Impact
- 17:51 Volunteer Engagement and Community Building
- 21:10 The Evolution of Habitat for Humanity
- 24:05 Amy Belmore's Journey to Habitat for Humanity
- 26:57 The ReStore: A Social Enterprise
- 29:46 Connecting with Habitat for Humanity
- 33:03 The Personal Impact of Volunteering
Unleashing the Power of Respect: The I-M Approach by Joseph Shrand, MD
This episode is brought to you in part by SecuriTitle, a fractional paralegal service assisting with all things real estate in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
208 - Revolutionizing Communication with AI with Kathleen Riley of Smith.ai
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Mark speaks with Kathleen Riley from Smith.ai about the transformative role of AI in business communication. They discuss the benefits of AI receptionists, the importance of maintaining a human touch in customer interactions, and Kathleen's journey from a Fortune 500 company to a startup. The conversation highlights how AI can enhance efficiency without replacing human jobs, and the evolving expectations of consumers in a tech-driven world.
Learn more about Smith.ai on their website and get your discount with promo code STILES!
Takeaways
- AI can be intimidating for business owners.
- Smith.ai offers a customizable AI receptionist solution.
- The technology allows for a natural conversational experience.
- Human agents back every AI call for accuracy.
- AI can elevate human roles rather than replace them.
- Consumers are becoming more comfortable with AI interactions.
- Transparency in communication builds trust with clients.
- AI technology is rapidly evolving and becoming more accessible.
- Kathleen's journey reflects the shift from corporate to startup culture.
- The future of business communication will blend AI and human interaction.
Chapters
- 02:53 AI in Business Communication
- 06:05 Understanding AI Receptionists
- 08:47 The Human Element in AI
- 11:53 Kathleen's Journey to Smith AI
- 15:12 The Vision of Smith AI
- 17:53 The Future of Business Communication
- 20:51 Consumer Expectations and Trust
- 24:08 Connecting with Kathleen
Unleashing the Power of Respect: The I-M Approach by Joseph Shrand, MD
This episode is brought to you in part by SecuriTitle, a fractional paralegal service assisting with all things real estate in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Mark reconnects with longtime friend Russ Grady, owner of Lighthouse Real Estate Group in Kennebunk, Maine. They discuss Russ's journey to Maine, the current state of the real estate market, the impact of short-term rentals, and the challenges of affordable housing in the area. Russ shares insights on community resistance to new developments and the creative solutions being implemented to address housing shortages. The conversation also touches on the recent changes in real estate regulations and the importance of client education in the buying process.
Get in touch with Russ on the Lighthouse Real Estate Group's website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
Takeaways
- Russ Grady moved to Maine nearly 30 years ago, seeking a better lifestyle.
- The real estate market in Maine is competitive, with a significant housing crisis.
- Kennebunk has a high percentage of homes that are not occupied year-round, impacting the local market.
- Short-term rentals, particularly Airbnb, have significantly affected housing availability and prices.
- Community resistance to affordable housing developments is a common challenge.
- Creative solutions, such as nonprofit initiatives, are being explored to address housing shortages.
- The recent changes in real estate regulations have prompted a need for greater transparency in transactions.
- Client education is crucial to prevent buyer's remorse and ensure informed decisions.
- Russ emphasizes the importance of thoroughness and diligence in real estate transactions.
- The conversation highlights the need for innovative approaches to housing in tourist-heavy areas.
Chapters
- 06:44 Transitioning to Real Estate: A Family Affair
- 09:09 Current Real Estate Market in Maine
- 12:47 Impact of Short-Term Rentals on Local Housing
- 18:27 Creative Solutions for Affordable Housing
- 20:20 Community Resistance to Affordable Housing
- 27:20 Navigating Changes in Real Estate Regulations
- 31:34 Client Experience and Testimonials
- 35:50 Personal Insights and Recommendations
Unleashing the Power of Respect: The I-M Approach by Joseph Shrand, MD
This episode is brought to you in part by SecuriTitle, a fractional paralegal service assisting with all things real estate in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
Mark interviews Peter Cohen, the senior supervising talent producer for American Idol. They discuss Peter's journey into the music industry, the evolution of American Idol, and how auditions have transformed in the digital age. The conversation also touches on the importance of storytelling in talent selection, the impact of streaming on the music industry, and the changes brought about by COVID-19. They discuss the significant changes in the music industry, including the evolving revenue streams for artists, the impact of technology on music production, and the fragmentation of music consumption. Peter highlights the rise of talent shows as a new platform for artists and offers insights into how aspiring musicians can navigate their careers in today's digital landscape. The discussion also touches on personal experiences with concerts and the future of voiceover work in the age of AI.
Connect with Peter on LinkedIn, follow him on Instagram, and reach him at peter.cohen@americanidol.com!
Takeaways
- Getting an entry-level position in the music industry can be a valuable learning experience.
- American Idol has evolved significantly over its 23 seasons, adapting to changes in viewership and technology.
- The audition process has shifted from in-person to virtual, making it more accessible for participants.
- Talent scouting now heavily relies on social media platforms to discover new artists.
- Storytelling is a crucial element in selecting contestants for American Idol.
- Peter Cohen's journey from college radio to a prominent role in the music industry showcases the importance of perseverance.
- The music industry has been disrupted by streaming, changing how artists are discovered and promoted.
- COVID-19 has led to efficiencies in the audition process, allowing for a broader reach.
- Streaming has made music more accessible, but the payout for artists remains a contentious issue.
- The barrier to entry for new artists has decreased significantly due to digital platforms.
- Artists must diversify revenue streams through touring, merch, and licensing.
- The music industry is now more accessible, but also more competitive.
- Attention spans are shorter, making it harder for new artists to gain traction.
- The role of record labels has shifted significantly in the digital age.
- Technology has democratized music production, allowing for home studios.
- Licensing music for media can be a lucrative opportunity for artists.
- Talent shows have become a significant platform for discovering new artists.
- Social media skills are essential for marketing in the music industry.
- Live music experiences foster community and connection among fans.
- The music landscape is more fragmented, with fewer unifying cultural forces.
Chapters
- 02:19 The Evolution of American Idol
- 05:26 Auditioning in the Digital Age
- 10:39 Talent Scouting: The New Frontier
- 15:51 The Importance of Storytelling in Talent
- 17:47 From College Radio to American Idol
- 24:01 The Impact of Streaming on the Music Industry
- 28:47 The Evolving Landscape of Music Industry Revenue
- 35:17 The Fragmentation of Music Consumption
- 39:31 The Rise of Talent Shows and New Platforms
- 45:33 Navigating a Career in the Modern Music Industry
- 49:24 Personal Favorites and Memorable Concerts
- 54:07 The Future of Voiceover in the Age of AI
Unleashing the Power of Respect: The I-M Approach by Joseph Shrand, MD
This episode is brought to you in part by SecuriTitle, a fractional paralegal service assisting with all things real estate in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
205 - Protecting Homeowners, Promoting Transparency, and Plans for 2025
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Happy New Year from Elements of Stiles! Mark reflects on his recent experiences and insights gained from various engagements, including inspiring encounters with entrepreneurs, community discussions on the housing crisis, and thoughts on government regulations like FinCEN. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and collaboration in addressing community issues and shares his personal journey in navigating these challenges.
Takeaways
- The mission to protect homeowners is crucial.
- Student entrepreneurs are the leaders of tomorrow.
- Community engagement is vital for addressing housing issues.
- Transparency is a key demand from consumers and residents.
- Government overreach can lead to community frustration.
- Collaboration with professionals can enhance community discussions.
- Understanding regulations like FinCEN is important for real estate.
- Personal reflections can lead to broader insights.
- The importance of long hugs for emotional well-being.
- Engaging with the community can inspire innovative solutions.
Chapters
- 01:00 Inspiring Encounters and Future Collaborations
- 02:59 Community Engagement and Housing Crisis
- 04:24 Government Overreach and FinCEN Discussion
Unleashing the Power of Respect: The I-M Approach by Joseph Shrand, MD
This episode is brought to you in part by SecuriTitle, a fractional paralegal service assisting with all things real estate in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.